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The principal object in view is to to effect a final and complete adjustment of these claims, so as to prevent any future revival of them by the Natives, taking especial care that a clause is inserted in any conveyances they may sign involving an undertaking that they themselves shall settle any claims that may for the future be adduced. I think this object can be attained on the terms recommended in Mr. Johnson's memorandum of the 4th instant, in which, and the other reports herewith enclosed, the whole circumstances attendingboth the Akaroa and Kaiapoi cases are so clearly explained, that it is needless for me to encumber this letter with any more detailed instructions for your guidance. I have, &c, (Signed,) Donald McLean, Chief Commissioner. You will receive by this mail a further communication from His Excellency the Governor on this subject. J. W. Hamilton, Esq., J. P., &c, &c. Lyttelton. Custom House, Port Victoria, August 29th, 1856. Sir,— I have the honour to acknowledge the receipt of your letter, dated 16th instant, with reference to my undertaking the settlement of certain land claims at Akaroa and Kaiapoi, and to request that you will be so good as to state to His Excellency the Governor that I will use my best endeavours to carry out his wishes and the Instructions, which I have received. I have, &c,, (Signed,) J. W. Hamilton, Collector. Captain F. G. Steward, Private Secretary, Auckland. ( Custom House, Lyttelton, October 9, 185 C. Sir,— Referring to your letter of the 16th August last, and my reply thereto, I have the honour to request that you will acquaint His Excellency the Governor that I have not succeeded in finding a competent interpreter through whom to conduct the negotiations for the surrender of their lands by the Maories of Akaroa and Kaiapoi. No application, in reply to a public advertisement for an Interpreter, has been made to me, nor do I entertain a very strong hope of obtaining the services of a competent Native scholar. Should I hear of such a person, I propose to make no arrangements for entering upon negotiations with the Maories before the next arrival of the Zingari steamer ; so that should His Excellency determine to detach an Officer from the Native Land Purchase Department by that opportunity, no proceedings of mine will have been undertaken by which embarrassment could be created for such officer. I do not feel myself equal to the task of entering, unassisted, upon negotiations requiring so thorough a knowledge of the Maori language as those connected with the transfer of lands even though, as in the present instance, terms have been mainly agreed upon by an officer of experience. I have, &c.< (Signed,) J. W. Hamilton, Collector of Customs. Captain F. G. Steward, Private Secretary, &c, &c. P. S.—l have no time left during the steamer's stay to report to Mr. McLean, and should feel greatly obliged could you cause a copy of this letter to be communicated to him if it appears necessary. (Signed,) J. W. H. Land Commissioner's Office, Auckland, Nov. 4, 1856. Sir,— I have the honour to enclose for your information, two translations of letters from the chief of Otakou in reference to claims advanced by them at Kaiapoi, which I shall thank you to return when you have done with them, as they are records of this office. It would be desirable to consult the Kaiapoi Natives and enquire of them whether these claims should be recognized or not. If the claims are to be admitted, they must be paid out of the sum placed at your disposal for the adjustment of the Kaiapoi claim. I regret that there is no Interpreter available at Auckland that could be detached to assist you in settling the troublesome question which you have kindly nndertaken to negotiate and arrange ; but, I trust you will be able to find an efficient person to assist you at Port Cooper.